Mark Gustavsson & Associates is helping to reduce homelessness in South Australia with their legal assistance for Harcourts Packham, Lutheran Care and Toward Home Alliance.
Mark Gustavsson & Associates (MGA) advised Harcourts Packham on their partnership with Lutheran Care for their plan to transform a former backpacker’s hostel in the heart of the Adelaide CBD into new, short-term accommodation for South Australians at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
After the South Australian Government announced a significant reform agenda for the homelessness sector in 2020, the Toward Home Alliance (THA) was formed. Some of the most experienced community services working in the sector came together to form THA, including Lutheran Care, Baptist Care SA, Mission Australia, Sonder and The Salvation Army.
Lutheran Care, together with the other partners in THA, provide shelter and support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Their focus is on shifting homelessness services from crisis management to early intervention and prevention. While reducing homelessness is the long-term goal, crisis accommodation remains integral.
‘Terra Firma’ has been transformed from the former hostel. It offers specialised support to both singles and couples aged 45 and over with a tenure of up to 12 weeks, with the aim of helping South Australians get back on track and into safe, stable, and longer-term accommodation. Terra Firma also allows residents to have pets.
Harcourts Packham contacted THA with their idea to convert the former hostel into accommodation for at risk South Australians. Clients will be supported by THA during their stay, while Harcourts Packham will manage the property and offer advice and assistance to clients to secure private rental where appropriate.
Harcourts Packham also contacted lawyer Mark Gustavsson at MGA to complete the legal side of their partnership with THA.
Short-term accommodation for at risk South Australians has been traditionally provided by Government, not-for-profits, and church-based organisations. Terra Firma is therefore a great example of the private sector of Harcourts Packham working with Government alliances.
Harcourts Packham director James Packham believes that they will be able to offer longer-lasting benefits to those in need. “With our skillset and reputation, we can assist residents to transition to longer-term housing by providing them with references and utilising our investor database to garner interest in leasing property to residents.
“We look forward to working with Toward Home to improve the quality of life, stability, and dignity for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.”
Toward Home spokesperson Rohan Feegrade, who is lead agency Lutheran Care’s chief executive officer, said partnering with Harcourts Packham is a great way to support South Australians at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
“This partnership is an example of the private sector stepping up to do what they can to prevent and end homelessness and we warmly invite other organisations and investors to contact the Toward Home alliance or Harcourts Packham to discuss how they too can be part of our collective vision of preventing and ending homelessness.”
